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Japan and UNESCO sign landmark agreement to boost media and train journalists in South Sudan
On 28 October 2024, Japan and UNESCO formalized the major partnership to support South Sudan through a landmark media development project. In the capital city of Juba, Japan’s Ambassador to South Sudan, Toshiro Odagiri, and the Head of UNESCO’s Office in South Sudan, Julius Banda, signed the Exchange of Notes dedicating JPY 396 million (approximately USD 2.5 million) to strengthening the country’s media sector over the next two years.
Based on the Exchange of Notes, the Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in South Sudan, Hiroyuki Tanaka and Julius Banda signed the Grant Agreement. This commitment focuses on building a resilient and accessible media environment in the country, fostering informed citizen engagement and transparent reporting, particularly as the nation prepares for its first elections since independence.
The Project for the Development of Mass Media will establish new community radio stations and extend public broadcasting services, so citizens throughout the country, but especially in remote regions, can have access to timely, reliable information.
During the signing of the Exchange of Notes, Ambassador Takehiro Kano, Permanent Delegation of Japan to UNESCO, and Tawfik Jelassi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, participated online from the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Ambassador Kano stated that UNESCO is playing a leading role in the field of mass media support, and that he hopes the cooperation will be an opportunity for the establishment of democracy and sustainable development in South Sudan.
Community radio and journalism training for safe, ethical reporting
By establishing new radio stations and enhancing public broadcast services in areas such as Malakal and Wau, the project will expand the reach of credible news sources. Community radio stations will broadcast in local languages, ensuring that language barriers do not prevent rural populations from staying informed. For many citizens, especially in remote areas, radio remains the most effective medium for receiving news.
In addition to new media infrastructure, the project includes comprehensive training for journalists to support safe, ethical reporting. Training will focus on election coverage, training reporters to deliver balanced, factual information and navigate the unique challenges of working in South Sudan’s evolving media landscape. This will contribute to an unbiased and credible electoral process, while upholding standards that foster public trust.
Preparing for South Sudan’s first national elections
This collaboration between UNESCO and Japan comes at a pivotal moment for South Sudan as it prepares for its first national elections. Not only does the grant facilitate an informed and inclusive electoral process, it also aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16, which emphasizes peace, justice, and strong institutions. By enhancing the media landscape, the collaboration seeks to empower citizens with the reliable information necessary for active participation in democracy. Through this initiative, Japan and UNESCO aim to strengthen South Sudan’s democratic foundations and promote a future where informed civic engagement thrives.
